Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith is not expected to return next season since the team has been struggling, according to a source. Owner Arthur Blank may look to hire a big-name coach to take the team into their new stadium.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said he's not worried about losing his job in a press conference Tuesday, Oct. 28. Smith said he's going to keep doing what he's been doing until team owner Arthur Blank tells him otherwise.

Atlanta Falcons RB Jacquizz Rodgers was stopped on a fourth-and-1 run during the team's third preseason game, and heading into the preseason finale Thursday, Aug. 28, head coach Mike Smith said he wants to emphasize being able to run the ball effectively in obvious running situations.

Fantasy Tip: If Smith sticks to that plan during the year, it could lead to more chances for Steven Jackson around the goal line. Jackson is a risky pick because of all his recent injury issues, but if healthy, he will have a big role in the offense and RB2 upside. Consider scooping him up as a third running back if the injury concerns cause him to slide in your draft.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians thinks the Atlanta Falcons will bounce back this year, and he is not looking forward to playing them in 2014. "I'm not looking forward it," Arians said. "I thought (general manager Thomas Dimitroff) and (head coach Mike Smith) did a great job of really securing their lines of scrimmage, which I know was their goal. I know that Matt (Ryan) is going to come back strong. I could see the Falcons bouncing back real big this year."

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said LB Tim Dobbins may have to pick up some of the slack from players that have left the team. "He's going to have to pick up some of the slack that we lost with a guy that's leaving our team," Smith said. "Akeem (Dent) was a central part on special teams. Dobbins has been a good special teams player. He's probably played more special teams snaps than he has defensive snaps. He has a track record, both as a first, second and third-down player and as a fourth-down player."

The Atlanta Falcons extended the contracts of president and chief executive officer Rich McKay, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith Monday, Jan. 27. McKay signed a four-year deal that will run through May of 2019, while Dimitroff and Smith each signed one-year contracts. Financial terms of the deals weren't disclosed.

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank has expressed confidence in general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith despite the team's 2-8 record this season. "We love our head coach and we love our general manager," Blank said. "It's up to them to candidly look at everybody -- candidly, honestly, critically -- and see what we have to do. There should be nobody that escapes that critique. That's their job, and I have confidence they'll do it. And they are doing it. And they will do it."

A report has linked former head coach Jon Gruden and current ESPN analyst to the Atlanta Falcons head coaching job if it were to open up. However, general manager Thomas Dimitroff said head coach Mike Smith isn't in danger of losing his job despite the team's 2-7 record. Smith was signed to a three-year deal in 2011.

Fantasy Tip: With Jackson officially ruled out, Jacquizz Rodgers will likely see the bulk of the carries, and is worth an add, especially if you are looking for a replacement to Jackson for the short term.

Fantasy Tip:
While it is good news that White is expected to play, there is a very real possibility he could be used as a decoy much in the same way he was in Week 1. Check back Sunday for any updates, but if you have any healthy options, it may be wise to look in that direction until White can do more during the week.

Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones (undisclosed) was limited in practice Monday, Aug. 5. Head coach Mike Smith said Jones being limited was mostly precautionary and that the team was watching Jones workload closely.

Fantasy Tip: It does not appear like there is much to see here and this is just the team being overly cautious with their star wide receiver.

Atlanta Falcons DE John Abraham (ankle) re-tweaked his ankle in the team's divisional playoff game. Abraham is expected to return to practice by the end of the week, according to head coach Mike Smith.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said the offense needs to be more versatile, which is why they will incorporate more passing in 2012. "I really think that in the National Football League, when you have to run the football, there's going to be times that it happens in the season, you're going to have to be able to do it," Smith said. "That's why we've got Michael Turner, but it is a spacing game now. And when we say a spacing game, it is about throwing the football and being able to move the ball through the air. You've got to have the weapons, so our identity is we want to be as explosive as we can, both running and throwing the football."

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith knows that playoff success will ultimately define his tenure with the team. In four seasons under Smith, the Falcons are 43-21, but are 0-3 in the postseason. "I think ultimately we are both going to be judged on success in the postseason," Smith said. "There have been a lot of teams and a lot of players that have broken through and gotten that first win. That's why we are doing everything in our power to figure out how to get that done."

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said when evaluating a team you either are "getting better or you're going backwards." When asked if his team took a step back, Smith answered, "Well, obviously, I said we didn't get better so that would definitely be the case."

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said following the team's Wild Card playoff loss that changes could be coming. "We did not play our best game and we are going to, starting tomorrow, do everything in our power to rectify the 10-6 record from the regular season and the 0-1 record in the postseason," Smith said.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith (heart) underwent more tests Friday, Dec. 16, and it was determined that his heart health is fine. His exact condition is not known. "It will not be anything that affects how I coach the football team," Smith said. "I just want it to come to a conclusion. The testing and such that took place on Friday, we've got a way to deal it and we'll move forward with that."